The United States has urged the Federal Government to swiftly apprehend those behind the recent abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger states, even as both countries agreed to deepen security cooperation to tackle terrorism.
In a statement posted by its Bureau of African Affairs, the US condemned the kidnapping of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, and the earlier abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, where the vice-principal was killed. It also called on Nigeria to do more to protect Christian communities.
The Presidency on Monday confirmed that Washington had agreed to set up a joint working group with Nigeria to speed up intelligence sharing, process defence equipment requests faster, and consider providing excess defence hardware. This followed high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, senior security chiefs and top US officials.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said both sides adopted a non-binding cooperation framework, while Nigeria used the engagements to correct “misconceptions” about the security crisis. He said the delegation firmly rejected allegations of genocide, stressing that violence cuts across ethnic and religious groups. Nigeria also reaffirmed commitments to civilian protection as joint efforts intensify.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has released the full list of those still held captive after the Papiri school attack. Of the 265 people confirmed missing, 239 are nursery and primary pupils, 14 are secondary school students, and 12 are staff members. The Diocese said the kidnappers have yet to open communication with authorities or families. About 50 students managed to escape last weekend.
A breakdown of the missing pupils shows seven in nursery one, 32 in nursery two, 62 in primary one, 45 in primary two, 32 in primary three, 26 in primary four, 19 in primary five and 16 in secondary school.
The Nigeria Labour Congress in Niger State condemned the attack as “barbaric,” calling for intensified rescue operations and urging government to provide all necessary support to security agencies. It appealed to community and religious leaders to help with information and support affected families.
In Kwara State, a survivor of the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku—which left two dead and 38 worshippers kidnapped—has recounted his ordeal. Speaking anonymously, he described the attack as sudden and terrifying, saying the bandits operated confidently within a forest area they claimed to control.
Amnesty International also warned that the surge in school kidnappings threatens the future of millions of children in northern Nigeria. Country Director Isa Sanusi said the trauma and fear caused by such attacks would discourage school attendance, worsening an already dire education situation in the region.
He added that with over 12 million children already out of school, rising insecurity could rob an entire generation of access to education.
